A Copilot+ PC is a Windows 11 computer with a powerful AI chip called an NPU, which Microsoft says can run more than 40 trillion operations per second. The part people trip over: the badge is about the hardware, and features vary by device and market, so check your exact model.
If you've browsed laptops lately you'll have seen a badge saying Copilot+ PC and wondered whether it's a real difference or just a sticker. I get asked about it by small business owners who are about to replace a work machine and don't want to buy the wrong thing.
Here's what Microsoft itself says the label means, the features it names, and the privacy controls around the one that gets the most attention, Recall. I'm relying on Microsoft's own documentation throughout.
What the Copilot+ PC label means
Microsoft's developer documentation describes Copilot+ PCs as a new class of Windows 11 hardware powered by a high-performance Neural Processing Unit, or NPU. An NPU is a specialised chip for AI jobs such as real-time translation and image generation.
The number Microsoft puts on it: 40 trillion operations per second, usually shortened to TOPS. Microsoft says many of the new Windows AI features require an NPU that can run at 40+ TOPS. So the badge is mostly a statement about the chip inside, not about a separate piece of software you install.
How the NPU fits in with the rest of the computer
The NPU doesn't replace the processor or graphics chip. Microsoft says Windows 11 hands each task to the most suitable one of the CPU, GPU or NPU to keep things fast and efficient, and that AI tasks run on the NPU use energy more efficiently, which is how Microsoft explains longer battery life.
If you're curious whether your own machine is using it, Microsoft says Task Manager can now show NPU usage alongside the CPU and GPU. Several makers sell Copilot+ PCs, and Microsoft's documentation names chips from Qualcomm, Intel and AMD.
Features Microsoft names for Copilot+ PCs
Microsoft's Copilot+ PC page names Click to Do and improved Windows search. It says some Click to Do actions depend on device, region and language, and that improved search is optimised for English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese and Spanish, working with specific text, image and document formats only.
The same page makes a point worth remembering: Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and market. Before you buy, check the product page for your exact model and country rather than assuming every feature will turn up on day one.
| Question | What Microsoft's pages say |
|---|---|
| What is the hardware requirement? | An NPU that can run at 40+ TOPS for many of the new Windows AI features |
| Which operating system? | Windows 11 |
| Which features does the official page name? | Click to Do and improved Windows search |
| Is every feature the same everywhere? | No, experiences vary by device and market |
Recall on a Copilot+ PC and how its privacy controls work
Recall is the feature people ask about most, because it saves snapshots of what's on your screen so you can search for something you saw before. Microsoft's support page is clear on the privacy basics:
- Saving snapshots is opt-in. Microsoft says you need to opt in, and the page describes it as off by default.
- Snapshots and the information drawn from them are saved and encrypted to your local hard drive, and Microsoft says Recall doesn't share this data with Microsoft or third parties.
- Windows Hello protects them, so only the signed-in user can open Recall content.
- Device Encryption or BitLocker must be on.
You stay in control afterwards. Microsoft says you can pause Recall from the system tray, delete individual snapshots, delete everything for a chosen app or website, or reset Recall completely. You can also exclude apps and websites under Settings, then Privacy & security, then Recall & snapshots. Website filtering works in Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera and Google Chrome, and sensitive-information filtering is on by default.
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Microsoft also lists the needs for Recall: 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, a 40 TOPS NPU and at least 50 GB of free storage to switch it on. Saving pauses by itself when free storage drops below 25 GB.
When a Copilot+ PC matters for a small business
Here's my plain view. If you mostly live in a browser, email and spreadsheets, an ordinary laptop does the job and the badge won't change your working day much. A Copilot+ PC is worth a closer look if you want AI features to run on the machine itself, you like the idea of searching your own past work, or battery life matters because you work away from a desk.
Think about the people and client information on the machine too. If you'd rather keep Recall off, that's the default, and your admin or IT supplier can tell you what your organisation allows. If you'd like help deciding which AI tools are worth using in your business, that's the kind of thing I do as an AI consultant.
What people confuse with a Copilot+ PC
- The Copilot app: Microsoft Copilot is an assistant you can use on many devices. A Copilot+ PC is a type of computer.
- Any new laptop with Windows 11: Windows 11 alone doesn't make it a Copilot+ PC, because the NPU requirement is part of the definition.
- Always-on recording: Recall saves snapshots only if you opt in, and you can pause or delete them.
For the wider picture of everyday AI helpers, my roundup of the best AI tools for small business owners is a good place to compare what's out there.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Copilot+ PC?
A Copilot+ PC is a Windows 11 computer with a high-performance NPU that Microsoft says can perform more than 40 trillion operations per second, built to run certain AI features on the device.
Do I need a Copilot+ PC to use Microsoft Copilot?
No. Microsoft Copilot is an assistant you can use on many devices. A Copilot+ PC is hardware that runs some extra features on the machine itself.
Is Recall turned on automatically on a Copilot+ PC?
Microsoft's support page says you need to opt in to saving snapshots, and describes saving as off by default.
Where does Recall keep its snapshots?
Microsoft says snapshots and the information derived from them are saved and encrypted to your local hard drive and protected with Windows Hello.
Can I stop Recall saving certain apps or sites?
Yes. Microsoft says you can exclude apps and websites under Settings, Privacy & security, Recall & snapshots, and you can pause or delete snapshots.
